Is Charleston, ME Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.5/100
waterverge.com Charleston, ME — Water Quality Report
Charleston's drinking water received a grade of B (76.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 503 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charleston's water
Charleston ranks #120 out of 168 cities in Maine for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Charleston relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Charleston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charleston, ME water safe to drink?
Charleston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 503 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Charleston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charleston's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3598). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1755). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charleston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Charleston's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Penobscot County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Charleston's water come from?
Charleston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 503 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Charleston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charleston's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Charleston's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPenobscot County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Penobscot County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charleston compares by contaminant
Explore where Charleston ranks among all Maine cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charleston's water comes from
Charleston's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by state ownership and serves approximately 503 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Charleston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN VIEW CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | ME0090342 | 468 | GW |
| FAITH BIBLE COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL | ME0093806 | 35 | GW |
How Charleston compares
Full Maine rankings →Charleston's score of 76.5/100 is below the average of 82/100 among major Maine cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Maine rankings →About Charleston, ME
Wikipedia →Charleston is a town in Penobscot County, Maine, United States. It is part of the Bangor Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,558 at the 2020 census. Charleston includes the village of West Charleston and is home to the Higgins Classical Institute campus. Once a Christian school, it is now home to Faith Bible College International.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charleston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Penobscot
Frequently asked questions
Is Charleston, ME tap water safe to drink?
Charleston's water quality earned a grade of B (76.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #120 out of 168 cities tested in Maine.
What contaminants are in Charleston's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Charleston's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Charleston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charleston's water come from?
Charleston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 503 residents.
What health violations has Charleston's water system had?
Charleston has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Charleston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Charleston uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 30 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Charleston's water compare to other cities?
Charleston ranks #120 out of 168 cities in Maine (better than 29% of state cities) and #9295 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.